Newtown, CT

I didn't want to have to talk about the tragedy in Newtown, CT...but I feel like I need to. I mean, who really wants to talk about something so torrific as this? I'm still in shock that it happened, to be honest.

 In The Husband's line of work, it is expected that there is an element of danger. When he first became a jailer and then put himself through the academy..it was hard transition. I'm glad that I was there from the beginning. It made the whole process a lot easier for both of us. In law enforcement, there is that adrenaline rush and that aspect of danger. The Husband came to me and told me something that I had been thinking. He told me that with his work it was a given, but with my future line of work...who would've thought? I'm in school to obtain a degree in Education. Obviously I don't live in a land of lollipops and gumdrops, but its just simply disgusting to think that it is now becoming a given in that line of work, too. It's hard for me not to imagine scenarios of 'could' happen in my head. I'd like to think that I would be a Vicki Soto. Every one of the adults were amazing, but her story has struck me. She is my age and had the same fire in her to teach and protect children as I do. We need more Vicki Soto's in this world!

I pray for everyone who lost their lives on 12.14.12. I cannot imagine the pain that anyone dealing with the aftermath is going through. I searched the web for a long time looking for the best picture that I could find that depicted this tragedy for me.

This is what I found. It shows in the brink of tragedy and evil in this world, the good come together and protect each other. I know this hit a lot of IFers very hard. It's hard to understand why we can't have children and then to see something like that brings a whole new fear and unexplained tragedies.

I saw someone write that they were "upset" that parents were saying they were "holding their children tighter" tonight. They didn't understand why they weren't holding them as tight as possible anyway. I think if you feel that way, it may be a great time to take a break. Honestly. I have been in some very dark places in my journey, more-so in the past year, but if I had ever thought loving parents were cruel..then I am in this for the wrong reasons. We all grieve in different ways and it does not make any better than the other. I hope we can all learn from this and become more well-aware and understanding of each other..instead of letting it divide us.

Think of these precious children and adults who won't be having a Christmas this year. They're innocence and their bravery should be motivation enough for all of us to do the right thing. God bless you and Merry Christmas!